Resources for Nature Educators
Open Space and Mountain Parks offers free guided hikes on many topics to schools, classes and community groups. Follow this link to learn more, or to request a program from OSMP's naturalist staff.
Download these materials from OSMP for your own enrichment and enjoyment, and to promote understanding of our natural world. Please acknowledge the authors if you reproduce, cite or quote any of our materials. Boulder sales tax revenue pays for this web page. Shop in Boulder to support the continued development of these materials.
More documents will be added to this page over time, so check back periodically!
Brochures - Nature and History
Education and Interpretation
- Be a Great Interpreter! a Training Handout on the Art of Interpretation
- Fire: a Burning Issue - A Selection of Hands-on Activities to Illustrate the Helpful and Hurtful Aspects of Wildland Fires
- Juegos Didácticos - Español - Actividades Amenas Para Enseñar La Ecología
- List of Spanish Technical Terms for Natural Sciences - (Ecology, Geology, Zoology)
- Making Geology Fun - A Sampling of Hands-on Activities to Teach Geology
- Ecosystem Games - Using Fun and Games to Teach Ecological Principles
- Skullduggery - A Handout for Educators That Explains How Much You Can Teach With Herbivore, Carnivore and Omnivore Skulls
- Download Puzzles and Word Searches to Share with Children from Our Kids' Pages
- Common Ground Curriculum Guide - An Activity Guide for Developing Your Sense of Place
- Trip Tips - Planning a Field Trip? This Handout Will Give You Lots of Practical Suggestions
Geology
Local History
- Chautauqua History Hike - Self-Guided
- Flagstaff History Hike - Self-Guided
- Goshawk Ridge History Hike - Self-Guided
- History of the Blue Line Amendment and Purchase of Enchanted Mesa
- History of the Boulder Mountain Parks
- Mt. Sanitas History Hike - Self-Guided
- South Mesa History Hike - Self-Guided
- Walking Through History on Marshall Mesa Brochure
Nature and Music - Classical Music Hike Outlines
- Suggestions & Selections: Classical Music Ideas and Tips for a Nature Hikes
- Nature & Music Hikes: How-To Article From NAI Sourcebook (2018 National Conference)
- Brief Descriptions: Classical Music Nature Hikes
- Sample Outline: Enchanted Lakes & Rivers - Water-Themed Hike Enriched by Classical Music
- Sample Outline: Wings and Songs - Bird-Themed Nature Hike Enriched by Classical Music
Sample Program Outlines For Volunteers
- General Ecology Sample Outline
- General Ecology Sample Outline for 4th Grade and Over
- General Ecology Sample Outline for Younger Groups
- Geology - Longer "story in the Rocks" Outline for Ncar
- Geology - Short for 4th - 6th Grade
- Insects
- Seasonal Changes - Fall Program Outline
- Seasonal Changes - Spring Program Outline
- Seasonal Changes - Spring Scavenger Hunt
- Wildlife - Longer, More in Depth
- Wildlife - Short
- Wildlife and Safety - Longer, More in Depth
- Wildlife and Safety - Short